| |
Location | originally at end of north breakwater in Two Rivers, WI; relocated to museum |
---|---|
Coordinates |
44°8′34.03″N 87°33′37.66″W / 44.1427861°N 87.5604611°W (original);
[1] 44°09′12″N 87°33′45″W / 44.1532°N 87.5624°W (current) [2] |
Tower | |
Constructed | 1886 [3] |
Foundation | Wood |
Construction | Wood |
Height | 36 feet (11 m) |
Shape | Skeletal tower |
Markings | Red with white lantern |
Light | |
Deactivated | 1969 [3] |
Lens | Sixth order Fresnel lens |
Characteristic | fixed red |
The Two Rivers Light (also known as the Two Rivers North Pierhead Light) is a lighthouse formerly located at the harbor entrance to Two Rivers, Wisconsin. It is now located in a museum in the city.
This light was preceded by a brick structure on shore, one and a half stories with a cupola. [2] This light was erected in 1852 and lasted only until 1858. [2]
A project to improve the harbor was begun in 1870, including the construction in stages of a pair of breakwaters defining the entrance channel. [2] In 1886 a lighthouse was built at the end of the northern breakwater. A simple pyramidal wooden tower was constructed, consisting of a watch room on an open timber framework surmounted by the lantern. [2] A sixth-order Fresnel lens was provided as the light source, displaying a fixed red light. [4]
This light contained no dwelling. [2] The Rawley Point Light keeper tended it, accessing the light via a long catwalk running the length of the pier. [3] [4]
The light was damaged in the first month of operation when a vessel struck the pier. [2] In 1907–1909 a dwelling and oil house were constructed on the site of the former shore light. [2] At the same time a fog bell was added to the light, its mechanism powered by a generator which was housed in a shed at the other end of the pier. [2] This arrangement was found unsatisfactory, and a diaphone was added sometime between 1926 and 1931. [2] During repairs in 1928 to fix storm damage, the light was rebuilt to run off electrical power. [3] [2] It continued in operation until 1969, when it was replaced with a steel tower. [3] [2] The older building was saved, however, and in 1975 the house portion was donated to the Rogers Street Fishing Village, a museum encompassing the old coast guard lifesaving station. [2] [4] The old building now stands on a platform similar to its original foundation, though it is now surrounded by a raised walkway. [2] Unfortunately during the move the lens was broken, but a 2006 grant provided funds for its repair and restoration, and it was returned to display in 2009. [2]